Canada’s Music Incubator and National Music Centre Announce 12 Artists for 10th Anniversary of Artist Entrepreneur West
Free AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase happens on December 2 at the King Eddy
(October 13, 2026– Toronto, ON and Calgary, AB) Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) and the National Music Centre (NMC) are revealing the 12 artists invited into the 2026 edition of AE West (Artist Entrepreneur West) at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, in Calgary. The program also celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary this year, kicking off next month and concluding with the AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase, a free live concert featuring performances by all 12 artists at the King Eddy on December 2.
The 12 artists include rapper Alick Mac from Comox Valley, BC; Calgary country singer-songwriter Anna Lewis; electronic folk outfit Education Party; Calgary folk artist Erika Mae; Anishinaabe and settler folk-soul musician Ila Barker from Winnipeg; Medicine Hat, AB indie-rocker Jessikah Babe; folk artist Kearstin Pfeifer, originally from Weyburn, SK and now based in Calgary; Edmonton country artist Keira Myer; singer-songwriter Leanne Lightfoot, hailing from Alberta’s Foothills; whimsical pop artist Miarlequin; queer Filipinx singer-songwriter SallieMae, who blends pop, R&B, and Original Pinoy Music (OPM); and folk and garage-punk act Spencer Jo.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate 10 years of artist development alongside CMI and continue building on that legacy by empowering the next generation of Canadian artists,” said Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC’s Director of Programs.
“Reaching the 10-year milestone of AE West is a testament to the incredible talent coming out of Western and Northern Canada, and the importance of investing in artists during the start-up phase of their careers,” said Vel Omazic, CEO and Co-Founder at CMI.
AE West equips emerging artists with foundational tools and industry insight to help them build long-term, sustainable careers as creative entrepreneurs. Through customized mentorship, collaborative sessions, business and creative skills development workshops, and direct access to industry experts, artists are equipped to confidently navigate today’s evolving music landscape. The 10th anniversary edition of AE West will run from November 2 to December 4, 2026, at Studio Bell in Calgary.
A regional extension of Canada’s Music Incubator’s (CMI) acclaimed Artist Entrepreneur program, AE West originally launched in Toronto. This Calgary-based version is made possible through a partnership between CMI, a national not-for-profit organization, and the National Music Centre. Thanks to the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, Stingray Radio, and TD Ready Commitment, as well as Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film and Music, who sponsor one Indigenous artist annually through the Vince Fontaine Legacy Award, most program costs are covered for participating artists.
The free AE West Artist Extravaganza Showcase happens at the King Eddy on December 2. The evening will feature all 12 artists, each performing two songs. Learn more at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
About AE West
AE West launched in 2017 as an extension of the acclaimed Artist Entrepreneur program developed by Canada’s Music Incubator in Toronto. This professional development initiative has an entrepreneurial focus and empowers artists of all genres from across Western and Northern Canada to build sustainable careers, strengthen their craft, expand their networks, and foster meaningful community connections.
About Canada’s Music Incubator
Based in Toronto, Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI) is anchored in professional development and amplified by expertly curated events to build sustainable careers and strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem. Since 2012, CMI has empowered 2,300+ emerging music entrepreneurs through 15,000+ hours of mentorship and curated 3,000+ live performances, paying artists more than $3 million+. Learn more at canadasmusicincubator.com.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
National Music Centre (NMC) is a registered charity dedicated to amplifying the love, sharing, and understanding of music in Canada. More than a museum, NMC focuses on five key areas: Exhibitions and Collections, Artist and Professional Development, Performance and Recording, Education and Learning, and Music and Wellness. From its headquarters at Studio Bell in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood and satellite location in Montreal, NMC celebrates Canada’s rich musical legacy, honouring legendary artists, nurturing new voices, and bringing people together through music. NMC also houses a vast collection of rare instruments, artifacts and memorabilia, world-class recording studios, and four of Canada’s music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s Adisq Hall of Fame. National Music Centre marks its 10th anniversary as Canada’s home for music in 2026, with a year-long lineup of exhibits, events, and programs planned. Visit studiobell.ca/10 to explore the full list of anniversary activities happening now through summer 2027. To check out the NMC experience online, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
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Media contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR and Marketing
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada